Why Do You Get Sick So Often and Feel Crappy?

Why Am I Always Getting Sick?

Have you ever noticed that getting sick always seems to happen at the worst possible time? It’s the day of a big event you’ve been looking forward to for weeks, and BOOM—you wake up feeling awful. Your eyes are dry and itchy, you’re exhausted, and your stomach decides to make its complaints known. Another girls’ night out canceled.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone in wondering, “Why do I get sick so often?”

It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You try to push through, only to end up on the couch with a glass of wine and a secret stash of candy bars, trying to make yourself feel better. But the cycle continues. The question remains: why does this keep happening?

Main Body

The Answer: Stress and the Immune System

The root cause of frequent illness often comes down to one word: stress. Stress plays a significant role in how well your immune system functions. And while everyone experiences stress, not everyone gets sick as a result. So why are you more affected?

Let’s dig deeper.

How Stress Impacts Your Health

Your body’s stress response, also known as the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), is designed to protect you in emergencies. Think about the time your toddler reached for a hot stove or your child’s tricycle rolled toward the street. Your body kicked into gear—heart racing, muscles ready to move—to keep your little one safe. That’s your stress response at work.

While helpful in the moment, chronic stress keeps your body in this heightened state, which can have serious consequences:

Cumulative Stress: Over time, small daily stressors build up, creating a “bonfire” of stress in your body. It only takes one small “match”—like an upcoming big event—to set everything ablaze.

Weakened Immune System: Stress diverts energy away from your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off illness.

Poor Nutrition: Stress often leads to poor eating habits, whether it’s skipping meals or indulging in unhealthy comfort foods. Processed foods and hidden chemicals create additional stress for your body.

Gut Health Disruptions: Stress impacts your gut microbiome, leading to issues like bloating, indigestion, and bacterial imbalances. This can weaken your overall health.

Emotional Stress: Anxiety about family, work, or life events can pile onto your existing stress load, amplifying the physical toll on your body.

Breaking the Cycle

So, what can you do to stop this cycle of stress and sickness?

Start by reflecting on the following questions:

• When do you notice you feel the most fatigued?
• Do certain foods trigger discomfort? If so, how?
• Are there patterns to your illnesses? (e.g., before big events or during stressful periods)
• How are your sleep and digestion? Are they consistent or unpredictable?

Paying attention to these patterns can help you identify the root causes of your stress and health issues. Journaling your observations is a great way to start.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Professional, I help clients uncover the hidden stressors impacting their health. Through functional lab screenings and personalized E.N.E.R.G.Y™ protocols, I provide actionable solutions to restore balance and vitality.

If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of stress and illness, here are your next steps:

Book a Consultation: Let’s work together to identify and address the root causes of your health challenges.

It’s Time to Feel Better

You don’t have to live in a constant cycle of sickness and fatigue. By addressing stress and its impact on your health, you can reclaim your energy and vitality. Start today—your body will thank you.

Thoughtfully,
Tess
HHP, FDN-P, CFH, HTMA-MP

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Disclaimer: This article is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.